One of the biggest transfer rumours ! I would say the biggest transfer rumour at the moment. Almost every football fanatic’s anxious will be about James Rodriguez. It looks clear that the recent Champions League winning manager Zinedine Zidane have a perfect midfield system. Zidane’s tactical setup doesn’t entertain the idea of having James in the starting role. James Rodriguez Transfer Saga is still flying high and the midfielder’s future is yet to be decided.

James Rodriguez Transfer Saga

Zinedine Zidane has been trying his all to keep the big star Colombian in his team. And why he shouldn’t? I mean every manager would love to have an attacking player like James Rodriguez. His vision, pace, passing and goalscoring attributes are of the highest quality. Sadly for Zidane, despite having him, he can’t give him apt first team opportunities. And lots of big clubs are considering the situation very closely and seriously. Hence the question remains, will we be ale to see James in the Blancos squad after the transfer window closes on 31st August?

James Rodriguez Transfer to Real Madrid – A successful stint?

James Rodriguez arrived at Real Madrid in the 2014 summer transfer window after having good seasonal performances at Porto, Monaco and in FIFA 2014. He won the Golden Boot award in WC2014 beating the likes of Thomas Muller and Lionel Messi. Rodriguez was Colombia’s biggest hope as he almost got them cross the quarterfinal stage, but a close defeat to Brazil ended their impressive stint. His impressive performances caught eyes of everyone, not just Real Madrid. Florentina Perez did not need any invitation bigger than this and he splashed a huge 80 million to sign James.

At Real Madrid, everyone had big expectations from the new arrival even if it was your first season. But James didn’t disappoint. He scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists. The biggest job he did was replacing the evergreen La Decima Winner Angel Di Maria. James achieved Di Maria’s best ever season at Real Madrid in his very first season. Just under six months, James made his name as one of the indisputable at theSantiagoo Bernabeu. Unfortunately, his contributions not proved enough for Real Madrid to land any trophy whatsoever and eventually Carlo Ancelotti got sacked.

The second season – Getting faded under new manager’s eyes

First season stats will definitely suggest that Real Madrid has landed an absolute gem of a player, and he can improve himself more. But will the managerial change turn out to be an important factor in his performances? Eventually, it certainly did. Newly appointed manager Rafa Benitez was announced in a highly fashioned manner with another hope of a successful season. Well, only his arrival was successful ! His managerial stint at the club disappointed everyone at the helm, including the results. The 4-0 thrashing against Barcelona at their home ground, losing against Sevilla, drawing against Valencia and Villareal left Real in worst of the situations and many points behind league leaders Barcelona for mounting any challenge. Those results triggered Perez to make an important decision – sacking Benitez and hire someone stable and influential.

Florentina did the very best for Real Madrid by promoting ‘Galactico’ coach Zinedine Zidane from RM Castilla. Zidane has a reputation at Real Madrid and is one of the most decorated players for Real Madrid. The French Maestro did all his best to keep Real Madrid in the title race, but sadly for James, he has to sit out. Zidane has to balance his midfield for which he inherited Casemiro into his starting XI. Casemiro’s inclusion meant a tactical change and James has to sit out. From then to until now, Zidane’s ideas had not changed and James is still sitting on the bench, every game. A highly talented player like James does not deserve to sit on the bench. He deserves more playing time.

Interest from European Sharks

It’s natural that the transfer market goes viral when a player of James Rodriguez’ calibre is unsettled. But, in James’ case, he clearly stated that he has no intention of leaving Real Madrid and is 100% committed to the Los Blancos. Zidane too rejected any transfer news involving James and has always said, ‘James is not for sale’. Even some secret reports suggested that Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo personally requested the board to not to sell James Rodriguez. The Portuguese plead the same when Real Madrid sold Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria. The three players played a vital role in Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal tally in the years they played together.

Florentina Perez too have no interest in offloading one of his Galacticos as per reports but gave Zidane full control this time. Not every manager of Real Madrid can get that from the Spanish business icon. Though Zidane can not promise James Rodriguez a starting berth, he can say ‘James has a future at a Real Madrid’. Those words are enough for James, for now at least. Or else, he has no other reason to way off interest from Bayern Munich, Juventus, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Arsenal.

Real Madrid’s Final Answer to James Rodriguez Transfer Saga

When James was approached by Real Madrid back in 2014, the Colombian told: “I’d go to Real Madrid with my eyes closed. I don’t care what I said about Real Madrid because it’s something I feel in my heart. I have a lot of respect for other teams, but Madrid is Madrid.” He also said it’s his dream to play for the ‘Galacticos’ since his childhood. Not surprising ! Real Madrid is a dream club for players like James and the former Monaco attacker’s dream became true.

For now, Real Madrid are very confident in James and are not ready to sell him. A string message to the player’s fans. He is staying at Real Madrid. No offer can change this. With support from Zidane and elite players in Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo and others, James has every opportunity to convince Zidane to alter his tactics and make a starting berth available. James impressed Zidane after coming up in the second half against Celta in the last La Liga fixture. The Madrid No.10 played just 20 minutes, but his quality needed nothing more than that to show off.

James may not have enough playing time for now, but his quality will definitely force Zidane to play him regularly. The Transfer Window closes in just three days and Real Madrid are not going to sell James Rodriguez. It’s better for the teams chasing him to find an alternative target.

Arsenal fan here. Love watching and discussing football with friends, unknowns and even rival fans. Also enjoy scouting new young talents and potential targets for various clubs. Just engage me in football discussion, and we can enjoy a whole day together.